Mahakumbh 2025: Dates of bathing festival ‘Shahi Snan’ announced

PRAYAGRAJ: The dates for the main bathing festival, known as 'Shahi Snan,' of Mahakumbh 2025 have been announced.
During a meeting between the mela authority and the seers of the 13 Akharas of the country, it was agreed that the following dates will be celebrated: Paush Purnima on January 13, 2025, Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12, and Mahashivaratri on February 26, 2025. The three Shahi Snan (royal bath) by the 13 Akharas will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).
To ensure a divine and grand Mahakumbh 2025, the first meeting between representatives of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) and the Mela authorities was held. The meeting, chaired by divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and additional director general of police Bhanu Bhaskar, took place in the presence of Mela Adhikari, Kumbh Mela, Vijay Kiran Anand.
During the meeting, Mahakumbh Meladhikari, Vijay Kiran Anand, shared details about the proposal to construct seven river fronts spanning a total length of 13.25 km. These river fronts are being developed to enhance the grandeur of Prayagraj for Mahakumbh 2025. Additionally, seven ghats, funded by the National Mission for Clean Ganga, are being constructed with public facilities to facilitate safe bathing and boat operations for tourists and devotees.
As part of the development, Akshayavat, Patalpuri, and Saraswati Koop corridors are being established, along with landscaping, signage, and entrance gates to promote tourism in the district. Other major temples, such as Nagvasuki Temple, Alopshankari Devi Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Pandila Mahadev Temple, Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Kalyani Devi Temple, and Takshak Tirtha, are also being developed. The Bhardwaj Ashram and Dwadash Madhav temples are undergoing beautification and development, including entrance gates and signage.
Furthermore, projects like the Prayagraj ring road, development of the Prayagraj-RaeBareli-Lucknow road, construction of a bypass in Jasra railway crossing, and the expansion of the airport are being planned. Additionally, a Railway Over Bridge (ROB) in Subedarganj to connect the airport with the mela area and a one-way route for the airport are being constructed.
The administration's work was appreciated by the attending saints, who also offered some proposals. Suggestions included reflecting Prayagraj as an indicator of the path of Ram Gaman, publicizing the work done by Maharishi Bhardwaj, creating a permanent gate for Adi Shankaracharya, and establishing a proper path for the circumambulation of Veni Madhav. It was also proposed to name localities after the names of Jagatgurus.
Yamuna Puri Maharaj of Mahanirvani Akhara suggested the complete removal of hanging electric wires from Peshwai roads. All the saints requested that necessary arrangements be made for the pilgrims and the saints.
In Kumbh 2019, the Prayagraj Development Authority developed 64 intersections, and work is currently underway to develop 39 intersections for Mahakumbh 2025. The Authority is also engaged in beautifying, strengthening, and widening 29 roads. Additionally, the Public Works Department (PWD) is beautifying, strengthening, and widening 31 roads while constructing and widening 21 more.